Mami Yamanaka’s delicate patterns reflect nature’s own action of creation. Like mathematical fractals these complex pen and ink drawings astound with their sense of perfection and intricacy. Commencing with one singular dot on paper Yamanaka’s marks draw ever outward in a meticulous display of meditation and patience. This play of form and patterning allows the viewer to enter into the process of creation as our eyes trace the hand and mind of the artist.

‘For me, pattern making always represents creating something new, and the pattern will expand and continuously grow if I keep drawing with a circular motion outward. I believe we all create something new for our life starting from a tiny dot, and it will continuously grow to the extent of what we would like it to be.’

Japanese born and Melbourne based, Yamanaka deals with the pattern with the same sensitivity for which traditional Japanese design is best known. Drawing in circular motions and incorporating forms that symbolise the artist’s experience of migration, these intricate forms both reflect the fragility of nature and the abundance of inner experience. Animal silhouettes found in her work represent both our fears and anxieties and also a sense of hope - the possibilities of personal freedom and continuous renewal.

'I have always drawn patterns....they have changed over the years by reflecting my own life experience. I have always been interested in a possible connection between my pattern and the shapes of nature. Since migrating to Australia, my patterns have started combining memories of both the Japanese and Australian environments that I have experienced. I am exploring the connection between my patterns and particular environments and their memories.'

Yamanaka’s work is represented within corporate and private collections in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.